Every day is opening night.

Bucks County Playhouse announces behind-the-scenes video series

Contact:
Rick Miramontez / Molly Barnett / Elizabeth Wagner
rick@oandmco.commolly@oandmco.comelizabeth@oandmco.com
212-695-7400

Local Contact:
Mandee Kuenzle
mkbcoverage@gmail.com
908-246-0882

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PLEASE


PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
ANNOUNCES BEHIND-THE-SCENES
VIDEO SERIES FOR
“ B U C K S   C O U N T Y   P L A Y H O U S E ”

SEE THE RESTORATION COME TO LIFE
WITH UPDATES EVERY TWO WEEKS!

SEE IT ALL UP CLOSE THIS SUMMER!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY


New Hope, PA (5/23/12) –The Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) in New Hope, Pennsylvania, has announced the release of a behind-the-scenes video series, detailing the restoration process of the historic theater that shuttered in 2010. Hosted by James Maxwell, (J.R. Maxwell Builders) who is overseeing the entire project, these videos will feature exclusive interior and exterior renovation footage of the Playhouse and will be released approximately every two weeks. The first video can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xg2PBmeqMuo or by visiting bcptheater.org.

“Construction is on track for our grand opening on July 2,” commented Tanya Cooper, President of the Bridge Street Foundation.  “Our restoration team continues to meet the daily challenges head on.  In these videos you can see our vision come to life. All associated with this initiative are solid contributors who consistently go above and beyond what is required to make the reopening of the Bucks County Playhouse a reality for the community.  We hope you enjoy this interesting and unique glimpse into our restoration journey.”

This series of renovation videos is being produced under the direction of Bob Gothro, RFG Productions, of Royal Oak, Michigan. RFG and its staff have created many informational, entertainment, educational, and documentary programs for a wide variety of clientele. Local cameraman Rob Bell, of Green Birdie Productions has been capturing the ongoing renovations and the series is being edited by Switch Post in Royal Oak (http://www.switchpost.tv/).”

“This project has been very special,” said Gothro. “This community has really come together to support the Playhouse and we’re so happy that we are able to provide the insider look so everyone is able to feel like they are part of the adventure.”

The official footage will be given to two local non-profit organizations, The James A. Michener Art Museum and the New Hope Historical Society. Each has maintained extensive archives that have kept alive the spirit and history of the Playhouse since its 1939 inception.

As previously announced, the re-opening of the legendary and beloved landmark will kick-off with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 2 at 7:00 p.m. with the first performance of A Grand Night for Singing by Rodgers and Hammerstein to follow. 

This celebration will take place exactly 73 years and a day after the Playhouse first opened in 1939. Politicians and local dignitaries will be invited to attend.

Tickets for the re-opening are $75 – $85 and are available at bcptheater.org or by calling 215-315-7788.

The week’s festivities will continue with a gala performance  for A Grand Night for Singing  on Thursday, July 5th at 8:30 p.m. Proceeds from this evening will support the continued restoration of the Playhouse and the effort to bring it back as a centerpiece of the New Hope and Bucks County community. A pre-show cocktail party will be held at Martine’s RiverHouse Restaurant (14 East Ferry Street) and a post-show reception at Marsha Brown (15 South Main Street). Tickets for the pre-show cocktail party, the show, and post show reception range from $275 – $350, with the show and post-reception from $200 – $275. Tickets for the performance only are $150, $75.00 for the pre-show cocktail party only, and $175 for the post-show reception only. Tickets are available at bcptheater.org or by calling 215-315-7788.

Directed by Tony® Award nominee and Emmy Award® winning Lonny Price, A Grand Night for Singing by Rodgers and Hammerstein features over 30 of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s greatest hits, from “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” to “Some Enchanted Evening.” This 1993 Tony® Award-nominated musical revue is “something wonderful” for all lovers of classic musical theater. Performances are Monday, July 2 through Sunday, July 22.

The summer will continue with Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon. First seen on the BCP stage nearly 50 years ago prior to its original 1963 Broadway run, this iconic and beloved play about the trials and tribulations of two newlyweds on the top floor of a New York brownstone has been leaving audiences breathless with laughter for generations. Directed by Tony® Award nominee Sheryl Kaller (2010’s Tony® Award-nominated new play, Next Fall) this timeless comedy provides a breath of fresh air for the dog days of summer. Performances are Tuesday, August 7 through Sunday, August 26.

The third production of 2012 will run from Tuesday, December 4 through Sunday, December 30. Full details for this production are forthcoming. Casting for all productions will be announced at a later date.

In addition to the summer and holiday productions, Bucks County Playhouse will present a cabaret series Thursday, July 19 – Saturday, July 21 at 11:00 p.m., and Thursday, August 16 – Saturday, August 18 at 11:00 p.m. at Havana Restaurant & Bar (105 South Main Street). December dates will be announced soon.  The series will invite Playhouse cast members, etc. to step outside their traditional roles to perform in a 45 minute cabaret style show.  The July edition will be hosted by award winning playwright Christopher Durang, a long time Bucks County resident.

Tickets are on sale now!  Regular single ticket prices range from $29 to $54, subscription prices range from $55 to $153, and groups of 10 or more range from $21 to $41. Members will receive discounts on both subscriptions and single tickets along with other benefits. For full details, and to purchase tickets, please visit bcptheater.org or call 215-315-7788.

Week one of A Grand Night for Singing will play Monday at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at 8:00 p.m., Thursday at 4:00 and 8:30 pm (Gala), Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. The regular performance schedule for the rest of the summer will be: Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., Thursdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

For more information about employment, internships or auditions at the Bucks County Playhouse please contact us at bcptheaterinfo@gmail.com

Located 90 minutes from New York City, the Bucks County Playhouse opened in 1939 on the site of a grist mill dating from the late eighteenth century. Ironically, the structure was at that time in danger of demolition; however playwright Moss Hart and the local community rallied to save the building and re-opened it as a theatrical venue, which quickly became one of the country’s most famous regional theaters. In continuous operation until December 2010, a veritable who’s who of American theatrical royalty has trod its boards, including Kim Hunter, Helen Hayes, Kitty Carlisle, Colleen Dewhurst, Shirley Booth, Lillian Gish, June Lockhart, Grace Kelly, Robert Redford, Bert Lahr, Leslie Nielsen and Walter Matthau. 

 

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